Hardy Boyz
The Hardy Boyz, Jeff (left) and Matt
Tag team
Members	Matt Hardy[1] Jeff Hardy[1]
Name(s)	Team Xtreme[2] The Hardy Boyz[1] The Hardys[2] The New Brood[3]
Heights	Matt: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[4] Jeff: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Combined weight	451 lb (205 kg)
Hometown	Cameron, North Carolina[1]
Former member(s)	Lita (as Team Xtreme)[1] Terri Runnels[1] Gangrel (as The New Brood)
Debut	October 15, 1993
Disbanded	August 20, 2011
Promotions	NDW NWA 2000 OMEGA[1] TNA WWF/E[4]

The Hardy Boyz (also known as The Hardys or Team Xtreme) was a professional wrestling tag team, consisting of real-life brothers Matt and Jeff Hardy. They are best known for their time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), while also working briefly together in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

They first began teaming together in 1993 in (WWF) independent promotions in North Carolina, winning the NWA 2000 Tag Team Championship in NWA 2000, and founded the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts, where they held the OMEGA Tag Team Championship. They both signed contracts with the WWF in 1998, and were given Michael Hayes as their manager. After dumping Hayes, they had a quick stint with Gangrel, and then Terri, before gaining a permanent manager in their real-life friend Lita. The addition of Lita led to them being renamed "Team Xtreme". They split as a team in 2002, but reunited in 2006 to feud with MNM, before focusing on their singles careers again in 2007, although they occasionally teamed together. Following a scripted feud between the two brothers in early 2009, Jeff left WWE in August, with Matt departing in late 2010. The Hardys reunited in TNA in January 2011 as members of the Immortal stable. In August 2011, Matt was released from his contract with TNA.

The Hardy Boyz gained fame for their participation in ladder matches and Tables, Ladders, and Chairs matches (TLC matches). Overall, in WWE they are six-time World Tag Team Champions and former WCW World Tag Team Champions. Both brothers also won singles championships during their run as a tag team.

History[link]

OMEGA Wrestling and TWF (1993–1998)[link]

Real-life brothers Matt and Jeff Hardy formed a tag team in 1993 after Jeff's debut in the Trampoline Wrestling Federation (TWF). The promotion went by several names, and in 1997, it was modernized as the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA).^[1] The duo worked in several North Carolinian independent promotions holding the OMEGA Tag Team Championship and NWA 2000 Tag Team Championship.^[5]

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment[link]

Rise to popularity[link]

Originally the brothers competed as teenagers in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as jobbers—wrestlers who consistently lose to make their opponents look stronger—both in singles and tag team competition.^[1][5] After being signed to a contract in 1998, they were trained by Dory Funk, Jr. in his Funkin' Dojo.^[1][6]

The Hardy Boyz started their run as a popular tag team with a win over Kaientai (Men's Teioh and Shoichi Funaki) on the September 27, 1998 episode of Sunday Night Heat.^[7] Soon after their Sunday Night Heat win, they built up a fan base following through their high-flying tag team tactics. They started to become serious contenders for the Tag Team Championship after they became managed by Michael Hayes, formerly a member of The Fabulous Freebirds.^[8] On the June 29, 1999 edition of Raw is War (aired July 5), they defeated The Acolytes (Farooq and Bradshaw) to win their first WWF Tag Team Championship,^[9][10] but they lost the title back to The Acolytes a little less than a month later at Fully Loaded.^[11]

They eventually dumped Hayes as their manager in August 1999, becoming villains and briefly associating themselves with Gangrel as part of The New Brood.^[3] After winning a series of matches against the team of Edge and Christian—dubbed the "Terri Invitational Tournament"—they won the services of Terri Runnels as their manager by winning the first ever tag team ladder match at No Mercy, and then dumped Gangrel the next night becoming faces.^[1][12] The fans also gave both teams a standing ovation the next night on Raw is War.^[13] This began an over two year rivalry between the Hardy Boyz and the team of Edge and Christian. During this time, they also gained notoriety as a faction with Lita.^[1]

Team Xtreme[link]

With the addition of Lita, Matt and Jeff comprised the trio dubbed Team Xtreme, their name serving as a reflection of their "extreme" high-flying moves.^[14] In 2000, they were involved in feuds with Edge and Christian and the Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) in many ladder matches and TLC matches.^[15]

The Hardys with Lita at King of the Ring 2000.

They faced Edge and Christian and the Dudley Boyz at WrestleMania 2000 in a triple threat tag team ladder match.^[16] The Dudley Boyz started the match as the champions, and Edge and Christian won the title.^[16][17] The Hardyz faced Edge and Christian for the title at Insurrextion and defeated them by disqualification, which meant that Edge and Christian retained the title.^[5] At King of the Ring, the Hardy Boyz squared off in a Four Corners Elimination match for the Tag Team Championship which included the champions Too Cool (Brian Christopher and Scotty 2 Hotty), T & A (Test and Albert) and Edge and Christian.^[18] The Hardyz were able to eliminate T & A before getting eliminated themselves by Edge and Christian.^[18]

At SummerSlam, the Hardy Boyz were defeated in the first ever TLC match for the Tag Team Championship, which Edge and Christian won, and in which the Dudley Boyz also competed.^[19][20] At Unforgiven, however, the Hardy Boyz defeated Edge and Christian in a steel cage match to win the Tag Team Championship for a second time.^[21][22] They lost the title back to Edge and Christian (who were dressed as Los Conquistadores) at No Mercy,^[23] but they won the titles back the next night on Raw for a third time.^[24][25] During the match, the Hardy Boyz were dressed as Los Conquistadores, but tore off their masks after the match, revealing themselves.^[24][25] The team lost the title less than a month later to Right to Censor (Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather) on the November 6, 2000 episode of Raw is War, when Edge and Christian came out and assaulted the Hardyz, allowing Right to Censor to pick up the win and the title.^[26]

The Hardyz became involved in a feud with both Edge and Christian and Right to Censor. At Survivor Series, the Hardyz along with the Dudleyz defeated Edge and Christian and Right to Censor in a Survivor Series elimination match.^[27] At Rebellion, the Hardy Boyz faced Right to Censor in a rematch for the titles but were unable to win the titles when Val Venis interfered.^[5][28] On the December 4 edition of Raw is War, Dean Malenko defeated the Hardy Boyz' valet Lita to retain the Light Heavyweight Championship and earn himself a date with her three days later on SmackDown!. On the December 7 episode of SmackDown!, however, when Malenko took Lita on a date, he received a beating from the Hardyz.^[5] The Hardyz began feuding with Malenko and his friends, The Radicalz (Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Malenko and Perry Saturn).^[29] The two teams faced each other in several tag team and singles matches on editions of Raw and SmackDown!.^[5] The two teams also squared off against each other at Armageddon with Guerrero, Malenko and Saturn taking on the Hardyz and Lita. The Radicalz won the match.^[30]

Matt Hardy, one half of the Hardy Boyz, at WrestleMania X8.

On March 5, 2001, on Raw the Hardy Boyz captured their fourth Tag Team Championship when they defeated The Dudley Boyz, after interference from Christian,^[31][32] only to lose the titles to Edge and Christian two weeks later on Raw.^[32] The next month at WrestleMania X-Seven, the Hardy Boyz competed in another TLC match against Edge and Christian and the Dudley Boyz.^[33] Just as in the first TLC match, Edge and Christian were victorious thanks to help from Rhyno,^[33][34] who got involved only after Spike Dudley on behalf of the Dudley Boyz and Lita interjected themselves into the match.

On the October 8 edition of Raw, the Hardy Boyz won the WCW Tag Team Championship from Booker T and Test.^[35][36] They lost the title to the Dudley Boyz two weeks later.^[37] On the November 12 episode of Raw, they beat Booker T and Test again, but this time for the WWF Tag Team Championship.^[37][38] At Survivor Series, they lost the title to the Dudleys in a Steel Cage title unification match.^[39]

At No Way Out, the Hardy Boyz participated in a Tag Team Turmoil match which was won by the A.P.A.^[40] At WrestleMania X8, along with the A.P.A. and the Dudley Boyz, the Hardyz challenged Billy and Chuck for the Tag Team Championship in a Four Corners elimination match. The A.P.A. were eliminated by the Dudleyz, whom the Hardy Boyz managed to eliminate. In the end, however, they were pinned by the champions, thus losing the opportunity.^[41] They then began a feud with the newcomer Brock Lesnar and his manager Paul Heyman.^[42] At Judgment Day, the Hardy Boyz lost to Lesnar and Heyman in a tag team match.^[43]

Split[link]

The duo split up afterward, as Jeff began a storyline with The Undertaker, while Matt was relegated to working on Heat.^[44] In the storyline, Matt then attacked Jeff, because Jeff had a match for the Intercontinental Championship.^[45] Matt was then moved to the SmackDown! brand, where he dubbed himself "Matt Hardy Version 1" and the "Sensei of Mattitude", and picked up real-life friend Shannon Moore and briefly Crash Holly as followers. He later won the Cruiserweight Championship from Billy Kidman at the No Way Out pay-per-view in 2003. Jeff was released from WWE on April 22, 2003, for erratic behavior, drug use, refusal to go to rehab, and deteriorating ring performance, as well as constant tardiness and no-showing events.^[46][47]

Following his release from WWE, Jeff debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in mid-2004. After no-showing several events, he was suspended in 2006 before leaving the company soon afterward.^[46] On August 4, 2006, he rejoined WWE on its Raw brand.^[46][48] Meanwhile, in April 2005, Matt was released from WWE due to real-life issues with Lita.^[4] He was rehired, however, just a few months later and was eventually sent to the SmackDown brand.^[4]

The Hardys and sporadic teaming (2006–2007)[link]

The Hardys during their ring entrance at December to Dismember in December 2006

In November 2006, it was announced on WWE.com that Matt and Jeff would team up for the first time together in over four years as members of Team DX at the Survivor Series.^[49] The Hardys, as they were now known, were first given a "warm up match" on ECW on Sci Fi, defeating the Full Blooded Italians (Little Guido Maritato and Tony Mamaluke).^[5][50] At Survivor Series, Team DX defeated Team Rated-RKO in a clean sweep.^[5][51]

On the November 27 episode of Raw, The Hardys had their first shot at Tag Team gold in five years. They took on World Tag Team Champions Rated-RKO (Edge and Randy Orton), but came up short when Edge hit Jeff in the back with a belt to get himself and Orton deliberately disqualified to retain the title.^[5][52] That same day, The Hardys posed an open challenge to any team for ECW December to Dismember which was immediately accepted by a reuniting MNM (Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury).^[52] After a run in on the intervening ECW on Sci Fi,^[5][53] The Hardys defeated MNM at the pay-per-view,^[5][54] starting a feud between all four men that spanned both brands. The Hardys got their first chance to gain the WWE Tag Team Championship at Armageddon, where the original tag team match was changed to a four team ladder match involving The Hardys, MNM, Dave Taylor and William Regal, and Paul London and Brian Kendrick.^[5][55] Despite coming up short, The Hardys sparked another feud with MNM when Mercury was legitimately injured.^[5][55][56] Whilst Jeff and Nitro continued battling over the Intercontinental Championship on Raw, Matt and Mercury feuded on SmackDown!. Mercury and Nitro tried injuring both Hardys' faces as payback for what happened at Armageddon, claiming that The Hardys had ruined Mercury's 'Hollywood good looks'. The Hardys settled their feud with MNM at the Royal Rumble when they defeated them for the second time.^[5][57] Matt and Mercury continued feuding, however, which was finally settled at No Way Out.^[58]

The Hardys in the ring at WrestleMania 23.

On the April 2, 2007, episode of Raw, the Hardys won the World Tag Team Championship for the sixth time in their career after winning a ten team battle royal.^[59][60] After losing singles bouts to both Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch,^[5][61] The Hardys retained their World Tag Team Championship at both Backlash and Judgment Day against the team of Cade and Murdoch.^[5][62] At One Night Stand, Hardyz retained the titles against The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) in a ladder match.^[63] The next night on Raw, however, the Hardys lost their championship to Cade and Murdoch, when Jeff missed a Swanton Bomb and was pinned by Cade after Murdoch pushed his foot off of the bottom rope of the ring. Cade and Murdoch attacked the Hardys with the championship belts after the match.^[5][64] The Hardys got a rematch at Vengeance, but lost after Jeff was hit with a sitout spinebuster from Cade.^[5][65]

The Hardys once again returned to WWE on the November 13, 2007 episode of ECW on Sci Fi to face Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and Mr. Kennedy, a match that was originally scheduled for the November 16 edition of SmackDown!. The Hardys were unsuccessful in their return as Porter pinned Jeff for the win.^[66] The Hardys, announced and referred to once again as the Hardy Boyz, reunited once again in 2008, on the June 23 episode of Raw in a losing effort to John Morrison and The Miz. The match occurred after Jeff was drafted to the SmackDown brand (the same brand as Matt). This loss, however, caused Matt to be drafted to the ECW brand.^[67] On the July 15 edition of ECW, The Hardys reunited in their home state of North Carolina, defeating Morrison and Miz.^[68] The Hardys then teamed up on the October 31 episode of SmackDown and on November 3, on Raw, winning both matches.^[69][70]

Multiple championships (2006–2009)[link]

In late 2006, The Hardys would return to tag team competition in the first time in over 4 years. On November 27 edition of RAW, The Hardys would challenge then- World Tag Team Champions Rated RKO in an unsuccessful attempt. That same year, at Armageddon, they would challenge for the WWE Tag Team Championships, again, an unsuccessful attempt. In April 2007, The Hardys finally won the World Tag Team Championship by winning a 10- Team Battle Royal. They would hold onto the championships until June 4 edition of RAW against Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. They would get a rematch at Vengeance, but came up short when Jeff was pinned by Cade, ending the team. Jeff would then begin a small feud with Umaga in mid-2007 over the Intercontinental Championship, while at the same time, Matt was in a feud with Montel Vontavious Porter over the United States Championship. Both feuds would go into The Great American Bash (2007) in which both Hardys were unsuccessful. Jeff would then be taken off WWE Television by injury but return on the August 27 edition of RAW. The following week he would win the Intercontinental Championship by beating long-time rival, Umaga. On August 31, 2007, Matt Hardy would win the WWE Tag Team Championships, except this time without Jeff, but with rival and then-United States Champion MVP. They would hold the titles until November 16 edition of SmackDown! to John Morrison and The Miz. Due to injury, Matt would be taken off WWE Television. Jeff would later defeat Triple H in 2007 at Armageddon to get a shot at Randy Orton's WWE title at the Royal Rumble where he came up short. Jeff was later suspended for use of drugs, losing his Intercontinental Title to Chris Jericho. Matt, who returned from injury, faced MVP for the United States Championship at Backlash, winning the match and making it his first major title in the WWE. He would later lose the title to Shelton Benjamin at The Great American Bash. Both Hardys got a chance for their respective brands Championships at Unforgiven 2008 in Championship Scrable matches where Matt would win the ECW Championship, however, Jeff lost to then-WWE Champion Triple H. This started a rivalry between Triple H and Jeff. Jeff would lose at No Mercy and Cyber Sunday, and be taken out of the match at Survivor Series by a storyline attack in his hotel stair hall and be replaced by Edge who would win the title. At Armageddon 2008, Jeff challenged Edge to a match, also featuring Triple H, in which Jeff won, making it his first World Championship. On January 13 episode of ECW, Matt lost his Championship to Jack Swagger. He got his rematch at Royal Rumble, but failed to regain it. Later that night, Jeff would defend and lose his WWE Championship to Edge by interference by a now heel Matt Hardy. Later that year, Jeff would challenge Edge and win the World Heavyweight Championship at Extreme Rules, only to lose it minutes later to CM Punk who cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase. After unsuccessful attempts at winning the World Championship from Punk, Jeff would win at Night of Champions. A month later, at Summerslam 2009, Jeff would lose the title to CM Punk again. A few weeks later, Punk would defeat Jeff in a "Loser Leaves WWE, World Heavyweight Championship, Steel Cage Match." Thus, ending Jeff's WWE Career.

Feud; departure from WWE (2009–2010)[link]

Jeff (left) and Matt (right) arguing in the ring in February 2009.

Heading into the 2009 Royal Rumble pay-per-view, Matt was attempting to regain the ECW Championship from Jack Swagger, while Jeff held the WWE Championship. After Matt lost to Swagger, he interfered in Jeff's match with Edge, hitting Jeff with a steel chair, and allowing Edge to win the WWE Championship.^[71] On the January 30, 2009 episode of SmackDown, due to the events at the Royal Rumble, Matt announced the permanent disbandment of the tag team, and that he no longer considered Jeff as his partner or brother. Matt moved to the SmackDown brand, and began a scripted rivalry with Jeff. The pair faced each other in an "Extreme Rules" match at WrestleMania XXV, which Matt won.^[72] They later faced each other in a stretcher match, in which Matt gained his second win over Jeff.^[73] As part of the 2009 WWE Draft, Matt was drafted to the Raw brand on the April 13 episode of Raw.^[74] Despite this, the brothers faced each other in an "I Quit" match at the Backlash pay-per-view, which Jeff won.^[75] Matt also interfered in Jeff's World Heavyweight Championship match at Judgment Day, preventing him from winning the championship.^[76]

On the August 21 episode of SmackDown, the Hardys reunited and teamed with John Morrison in a six-man tag team match to defeat CM Punk and The Hart Dynasty.^[77] The following week, Jeff lost a "Loser Leaves the WWE" steel cage match to CM Punk, resulting in him leaving the company.^[78] Over a year later, on October 15, 2010, WWE announced that Matt had been released from his contract, with Matt later stating that his release had been in effect two weeks before WWE made the announcement.^[79][80]

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2011)[link]

Jeff made his TNA return on the January 4, 2010 episode of Impact!, and went on to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Bound for Glory in October.^[81][82] On January 9, 2011, at TNA's pay-per-view Genesis, Matt made his TNA debut as a surprise member of the Immortal faction, and defeated Rob Van Dam. Jeff, who was also a member of Immortal, went on to lose the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Mr. Anderson later that night.^[83] On the January 13 edition of Impact! the Hardy Brothers reunited and defeated Van Dam and Anderson.^[84]

Jeff has been inactive since TNA's March pay-per-view Victory Road and on the following edition of Impact!, Immortal severed their ties with Hardy, thus splitting the brothers up once again.^[85] Three months later, it was reported that TNA had suspended Matt due to his continued lateness.^[86] On August 20, 2011, Matt Hardy was fired from TNA after being arrested for driving while intoxicated.^[87]

Other media[link]

The Hardys appeared on the February 7, 1999 episode of That '70s Show entitled "That Wrestling Show", as uncredited wrestlers.^[88] Jeff and Matt, along with Lita, also appeared on Tough Enough in early 2001, talking and wrestling with the contestants.^[89] They both appeared on the February 25, 2002 episode of Fear Factor competing against four other WWF wrestlers.^[90] Jeff was eliminated in the first round, but Matt became the eventual winner, winning $50,000 for the American Cancer Society.^[90]

In 2003, Jeff and Matt, with the help of Michael Krugman, wrote and published their autobiography The Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire.^[91] As part of WWE, the Hardys appeared in the DVD, The Hardy Boyz: Leap of Faith in 2001.^[92] On April 29, 2008, WWE released Twist of Fate: The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story.^[93] The DVD features footage of the brothers in OMEGA and WWE, and it also briefly mentions Jeff's initial stint in TNA.^[93] The brothers also appear on The Hardy Show, an internet web show which features the Hardys, Shannon Moore, and many of their friends.^[94]

In wrestling[link]

Jeff Hardy performing Poetry in Motion on Billy Gunn.

• Finishing moves
  • Event Omega (Simultaneous diving guillotine leg drop (Matt) / diving splash (Jeff) combination)
  • Omega Event (Simultaneous diving guillotine leg drop (Matt) / leg drop to the groin (Jeff) combination) – innovated
  • Extreme Combination (Twist of Fate by Matt followed by a Swanton Bomb by Jeff)

• Signature moves
  • Double 180° flipping belly to back suplex
  • Poetry in Motion
  • Rapture^[95] (Simultaneous superbomb (Jeff) / neckbreaker slam (Matt) combination)
  • Side Effect by Matt followed by a Whisper in the Wind by Jeff
  • Spin Cycle (Simultaneous fist drop (Matt) / Standing somersault senton (Jeff) combination)

• Managers
  • Michael Hayes
  • Gangrel
  • Terri Runnels
  • Lita

• Entrance themes
  • "Loaded" by Zack Tempest^[96] (WWE)
  • "No More Words" by EndeverafteR^[97]
  • "Live for the Moment" by Monster Magnet
  • "Another" by Jeff Hardy and Dale Oliver^[98] (TNA; 2011)

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• New Dimension Wrestling
  • NDW Tag Team Championship (1 time)^1[99]

• Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts
  • OMEGA Tag Team Championship (1 time)^[5]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Match of the Year (2000)^[100] vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian in a Triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 2000
  • PWI Match of the Year (2001)^[100] vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at WrestleMania X-Seven
  • PWI Tag Team of the Year (2000)^[101]

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time)^[36]
  • WWF/E European Championship (2 times) – Jeff (1) ^[102] and Matt (1)^[103]
  • WWF/E Hardcore Championship (4 times)^[104] – Jeff (3) and Matt (1)
  • WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (1 time)^[105] – Jeff
  • WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[106] – Jeff
  • WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (6 times)^[9]
  • WWF Women's Championship (1 time)^[107] – Lita^[108]
  • Terri Invitational Tournament^[12]

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Jeff Hardy or Matt Hardy or Amy Dumas

• The Hardy Show
• Matt's TNA profile
• Jeff's TNA profile

Triple H
Triple H during his ring entrance.
Ring name(s)	Triple H Hunter Hearst Helmsley Jean-Paul Lévesque Terra Ryzin
Billed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)[1]
Billed weight	255 lb (116 kg)[1]
Born	(1969-07-27) July 27, 1969 (age 42)[2] Nashua, New Hampshire
Resides	Greenwich, Connecticut
Billed from	Greenwich, Connecticut[1]
Trained by	Killer Kowalski[1]
Debut	March 24, 1992
Retired	July 2011 (Full Time Wrestling)

Paul Michael Levesque^[3] (born July 27, 1969)^[4] is an American professional wrestler, wrestling executive, and actor better known by his ring name Triple H, an abbreviation of the ring name, Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Currently, Levesque works in the front office of WWE as the Executive Vice President of Talent and Live Events, and as Triple H appears on television as the (storyline) Chief Operating Officer, and part-time wrestler.

Levesque began his wrestling career in the International Wrestling Federation as Terra Ryzing before joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994. After briefly using the Ryzing name, he changed his character to Jean-Paul Lévesque, a French-Canadian aristocrat^[4] which would be similar to his character Hunter Hearst Helmsley, that he used in his early years with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1995 onward.^[5] He later abbreviated his name to Triple H and adopted an alternative image in the D-Generation X (DX) stable. After the dissolution of DX, Triple H was pushed as a main event wrestler, winning several singles championships.^[1] As part of a storyline Triple H married Stephanie McMahon, who later became his real-life spouse. In 2003, Triple H formed another stable known as Evolution,^[1] and reformed DX with Shawn Michaels in 2006 and 2009.^[6] He is heavily involved in the writing process of WWE programming, and holds complete creative control over his television character's storylines, win/loss record, and championship reigns.^[7]

Overall, Levesque has won 23 championships in WWE. He is a thirteen-time world champion — the all-time record in the company — having won the WWF/E Championship eight times, and the World Heavyweight Championship five times.^[8][9] He was the first World Heavyweight Champion. In addition, Helmsley won the 1997 King of the Ring, the 2002 Royal Rumble, and was the second Grand Slam Championship winner. Outside of wrestling, Helmsley has made numerous guest appearances in film and on television.

Early life[link]

Paul Levesque was born in Nashua, New Hampshire.^[10] In his youth, he was a fan of professional wrestling and his favorite wrestler was Ric Flair.^{[citation needed]} Levesque became aware of bodybuilding at the age of fourteen; after graduating from high school in 1987, Levesque entered several bodybuilding competitions.^[11] He was crowned Teenage Mr. New Hampshire in 1988.^[12]

Professional wrestling career[link]

World Championship Wrestling (1994–1995)[link]

In early 1994, Levesque signed a one year contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW).^[12][13] In his first televised match, Levesque debuted as a villain named Terror Risin' and defeated Keith Cole.^[14] His ring name was soon modified to Terra Ryzing, which he used until mid-1994, when he was renamed Jean-Paul Lévesque.^[5][15] This gimmick referred to his surname's French origins and he was asked to speak with a French accent, as he could not speak French.^[16] During this time, he began using his finishing maneuver, the Pedigree.

Levesque had a brief storyline feud with Alex Wright that ended at Starrcade 1994^[5] with Wright pinning him.^[17] Between late 1994 and early 1995, Levesque briefly teamed with Lord Steven Regal, whose snobby British persona was similar to Levesque's character.^[15] The team was short-lived, however, as Levesque left for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in January 1995 after WCW turned down his request to be pushed as a singles competitor.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment[link]

The Connecticut Blueblood (1995–1997)[link]

Helmsley wore a tailcoat suit and here has a traditional spray bottle to highlight his effete snobbishness.

As a continuation of his gimmick in WCW, Levesque started his WWF career as the "Connecticut Blueblood" Hunter Hearst Helmsley.^[16] Levesque appeared in taped vignettes, in which he talked about how to use proper etiquette, up until his wrestling debut on the April 30, 1995 episode of WWF Wrestling Challenge.^[18]

Although he was heavily pushed in the first few months after his debut, Levesque's career stalled during 1996, starting off with being mired in a feud with Duke "The Dumpster" Droese following a loss during the Free for All at 1996 Royal Rumble.^[19][20] Up until that event, his angle included appearing on television each week with a different female valet (which included Playboy Playmates Shae Marks and Tylyn John).^[5] Sable was his valet at WrestleMania XII, and after his loss to Ultimate Warrior,^[21] as part of the storyline, he took his aggressions out on her. The debuting Marc Mero—her real-life husband—came to her rescue, starting a feud between the two wrestlers.^[22]

During 1996, Helmsley appeared on an episode of WWF Superstars in a match against Marty Garner.^[23] When Levesque attempted to perform the Pedigree, Garner mistook the maneuver for a double underhook suplex and tried to jump up with the move, causing him to land squarely on top of his head and suffer neck damage.^[23] Garner sued the WWF, eventually settling out of court and later discussed the incident in an appearance on The Montel Williams Show.

Levesque was known backstage as one of the members of The Kliq, a group of wrestlers including Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman and Scott Hall, who were known for influencing Vince McMahon and the WWF creative team.^[19] It has been claimed that he was scheduled to win the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, but the victory was instead awarded to Stone Cold Steve Austin after the Madison Square Garden Incident, in which the Kliq broke character after a match to say goodbye to the departing Nash and Hall.^[24] Despite the punishment, Helmsley did have several successes following the MSG Incident. Mr. Perfect became his manager and he won the WWF Intercontinental Championship for the first time on October 21, 1996, defeating Marc Mero.^[22][24] When Mr. Perfect left the WWF, his departure was explained to be a result of Helmsley turning his back on his manager as soon as he won the Intercontinental Championship. Levesque held the belt for nearly four months before dropping it to Rocky Maivia on the February 13, 1997 special edition of Monday Night Raw, called Thursday Raw Thursday.^[25] For a very brief time, Helmsley was accompanied by Mr. Hughes, who was his storyline bodyguard.^[26] After losing the Intercontinental title, he feuded with Goldust, defeating him at WrestleMania 13.^[27] During their feud, Chyna debuted as his new bodyguard.^[28]

D-Generation X (1997–1999)[link]

Helmsley's push resumed in 1997, when he won the 1997 King of the Ring tournament by defeating Mankind in the finals.^[24][29] Later that year, Shawn Michaels, Helmsley, Chyna and Rick Rude formed D-Generation X (DX). This stable later became known for pushing the envelope, as Michaels and Helmsley made risqué promos—spawning the catchphrase "Suck It", using a "crotch chop" hand motion,^[30] and sarcastically deriding Bret Hart and Canada. By that point, Helmsley had fully dropped the "blueblood snob" gimmick, appearing in T-shirts and leather. During this period, his ring name was shortened to simply Triple H.^[24] Even after the DX versus Hart Foundation storyline ended, Helmsley continued to feud with the sole remaining member Owen Hart over the WWF European Championship. This ended in a match between the two at WrestleMania XIV, with the stipulation that Chyna had to be handcuffed to then-Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter. Helmsley won after Chyna threw powder into Slaughter's eyes, momentarily "blinding" him and allowing her to interfere in the match.

Triple H and Chyna.

After WrestleMania, Michaels was forced into temporary retirement due to a legitimate back injury sustained at the Royal Rumble,^[31] with Triple H taking over the leadership position in DX,^[24] claiming that his now-former associate had "dropped the ball". He introduced the returning X-Pac the night after WrestleMania and joined forces with the New Age Outlaws.^[24][32] As 1998 went along, D-Generation X became more popular, turning the group from villains to fan-favorites. It was also during this time that Triple H began a feud with the leader of the Nation of Domination and rising WWF villain, The Rock.^[11] This storyline rivalry eventually led to a feud over the Intercontinental Championship, which Triple H won in a ladder match at SummerSlam.^[11] He did not hold the title long, however, as he was sidelined with a legitimate knee injury.^[11] When The Rock won the WWF Championship at Survivor Series,^[33] the rivalry between the two continued, as DX fought The Corporation stable, of which The Rock was the main star. Triple H received a shot at the WWF Championship on the January 25, 1999 episode of Raw in an "I Quit" match against The Rock, but the match ended when Triple H was forced to quit or see his aide Chyna chokeslammed by Kane.^[11] This began a new angle for Triple H, as Chyna betrayed him by attacking him after the match and joining The Corporation.^[11]

At WrestleMania XV, Triple H beat Kane with the aid of Chyna, who was thought to have rejoined DX.^[11] Later on in the night, he betrayed his long-time friend and fellow DX member X-Pac by helping Shane McMahon retain the European Championship and joined The Corporation.^[11] turning heel in the process. After Triple H's heel turn in early 1999, he moved away from his DX look, taping his fists for matches, sporting new and shorter wrestling trunks, and adopting a shorter hairstyle.^[11] Levesque's gimmick changed as he fought to earn a WWF title shot.^[11] After numerous failed attempts at winning the championship, Triple H and Mankind challenged WWF Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin to a Triple Threat match at SummerSlam, which featured Jesse "The Body" Ventura as the special guest referee. Mankind won the match by pinning Austin.^[34] The following night on Raw, Triple H defeated Mankind to win his first WWF Championship.^[11]

Triple H dropped the WWF Championship to Vince McMahon on the September 16, 1999 episode of SmackDown! before regaining it at Unforgiven in a Six-Pack Challenge that included Davey Boy Smith, Big Show, Kane, The Rock, and Mankind. He defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin at No Mercy before dropping the title to Big Show at Survivor Series. Triple H then continued his feud with Vince McMahon by marrying his daughter, Stephanie McMahon. He then defeated McMahon at Armageddon. As a result of the feud, an angle with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon began which carried the WWF throughout the next seventeen months; together they were known as the "McMahon-Helmsley Faction".^[35]

McMahon–Helmsley Era (2000–2001)[link]

Helmsley dominated WWF television in this period owing to his on-screen marriage with Stephanie McMahon.

By January 2000, Triple H dubbed himself "The Game," implying that he was on top of the wrestling world and was nicknamed "The Cerebral Assassin" by Jim Ross. On the January 3 episode of Raw is War, Triple H defeated The Big Show to win his third WWF championship.^[36]

Triple H feuded with Mick Foley in early 2000. They both fought at the Royal Rumble in a Street Fight Match for the WWF Championship, which Triple won after doing two pedigrees on Foley. The storyline would come to an end at No Way Out in a Hell in a Cell where if Mick Foley lost he would have to retire. Triple H retained his title at the PPV and thus ending Mick Foley's fifteen year career. Triple H pinned The Rock at WrestleMania 2000 to retain the title,^[37] but lost it at Backlash to The Rock.^[38] He regained it three weeks later, in an Iron Man match at Judgment Day,^[39] only to lose it back to The Rock at King of the Ring.^[40] Triple H then entered a storyline feud with Chris Jericho, which culminated in a Last Man Standing match at Fully Loaded.^[40]

A later storyline feud between Triple H and Steve Austin started when it emerged that Triple H had paid off Rikishi to run down Austin at Survivor Series, causing him to take a year off. In reality, Austin's previous neck injuries started bothering him again, forcing him to have surgery. In 2000, Triple H and Austin had a match at Survivor Series that ended when Triple H tried to trick Austin into coming into the parking lot to run him over again, only to have Austin lift his car up with a forklift and flip the car onto its roof 10 feet high. Triple H returned a few weeks later and attacked Austin. The feud continued into 2001 and ended in a Three Stages of Hell match in which Helmsley defeated Austin. In 2001, Triple H also feuded with The Undertaker, who defeated him at WrestleMania X-Seven.^[41] The night after WrestleMania, Triple H interfered in a steel cage match between Austin (who had just won the WWF Championship) and The Rock where he joined forces with Austin and double teamed on The Rock,^[42] forming a tag team called The Two-Man Power Trip. Triple H then defeated Chris Jericho for his third Intercontinental Championship on the April 5 episode of SmackDown!,^[43] and won it for a fourth time two weeks later by defeating Jeff Hardy. Triple H then became a tag team champion for the first time at Backlash when he and Austin defeated Kane and The Undertaker in a winner-take-all tag match. As Triple H was still Intercontinental Champion, the win made him a double champion.^[44]

During the May 21, 2001 episode of Raw, he suffered a legitimate and career-threatening injury.^[5][45] In the night's main event, he and Austin were defending the Tag Team Championship against Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. At one point, Jericho had Austin trapped in the Walls of Jericho. Triple H ran in to break it up, but just as he did, he suffered a tear in his left quadriceps muscle,^[5][45] causing it to come completely off the bone.^[12] Despite his inability to place any weight on his leg, Triple H was able to complete the match.^[12] He even allowed Jericho to put him in the Walls of Jericho, a move that places considerable stress on the quadriceps. The tear required an operation, which was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. This injury brought an abrupt end to the McMahon-Helmsley Era, as the rigorous rehabilitation process kept Triple H out of action for over eight months,^[5][12] completely missing The Invasion storyline.

Return from injury and Shawn Michaels feud (2002)[link]

Triple H returned to Raw as a face on January 7, 2002 at Madison Square Garden.^[12] He won the Royal Rumble and received an Undisputed WWF Championship match at WrestleMania X8.^[46] At WrestleMania X8, Triple H beat Chris Jericho for the Undisputed Championship.^[5][46] After holding the title for a month, Helmsley dropped it to Hulk Hogan at Backlash.^[46] Triple H then became exclusive to the SmackDown! roster due to the WWF Draft Lottery and continued to feud with Jericho, culminating in a Hell in a Cell match at Judgment Day. On June 6, Triple H defeated Hogan in a Number One Contenders match for the Undisputed Championship at the King of the Ring against The Undertaker but was unsuccessful at the event.

In the interim, between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, the McMahon-Helmsley Faction was brought to an official on-screen conclusion. By the time he returned, Triple H's on-screen marriage to Stephanie McMahon was on the rocks, so Stephanie faked a pregnancy in order to get him back on her side.^[47] When he learned that it was fake, he dumped her publicly on Raw when they were supposed to renew their wedding vows.^[47] Stephanie aligned with Jericho afterward,^[47] but she was forced to leave after losing a Triple Threat match on Raw the night after WrestleMania when she was pinned by Triple H.^[48] The divorce, and thus the storyline, was finalized at Vengeance.^[49]

Meanwhile, Shawn Michaels had made his return to WWE and joined the New World Order (nWo). Michaels and Kevin Nash planned to bring Triple H over to Raw in order to put him into the group. Vince McMahon, however, disbanded the nWo following several backstage complications and brought in Eric Bischoff as the Raw brand's new general manager. One of Bischoff's first intentions was to follow up on the nWo's plan and bring Triple H over to the Raw roster. Triple H did indeed go to the Raw brand, reuniting with Shawn Michaels, but on July 22 he turned on Michaels by performing a Pedigree on him during what was supposed to be a DX reunion, turning heel once again. The following week, Triple H smashed Michaels' face into a car window to prove that Michaels was weak. These events led to the beginning of a long storyline rivalry between the former partners and an eventual "Unsanctioned Street Fight" at SummerSlam, in which Michaels came out of retirement to win. Afterwards, however, Triple H attacked him with a sledgehammer, and Michaels was carried out of the ring.^[50]

Before September 2, 2002, WWE recognized only one champion for both the Raw and SmackDown! brands. After SummerSlam, champion Brock Lesnar became exclusive to SmackDown!, leaving Raw without a champion. Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff then awarded Triple H the Big Gold Belt (which had been used for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and WCW World Heavyweight Championship) making him the first World Heavyweight Champion of the WWE brand.^[51] Triple H retained his title against Rob Van Dam at Unforgiven when Ric Flair hit RVD with a sledgehammer.

In October 2002, Triple H began feuding with Kane, leading to a match at No Mercy on October 20 in which both Kane's Intercontinental Championship and Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship were at stake. In the weeks preceding the match, Triple H claimed that, several years earlier, Kane had an unrequited relationship with a woman named Katie Vick.^[52] He went on to claim that, after Vick was killed in a car crash, Kane (the driver) raped her corpse.^[52] Triple H later threatened to show video footage of Kane committing the act in question; however, the footage that finally aired showed Triple H (dressed as Kane) simulating necrophilia with a mannequin in a casket;^[52] Kane's tag team partner The Hurricane responded the following week by showing a video of Triple H (rather, someone wearing a Triple H series of masks) getting an enema. The angle was very unpopular with fans,^[53] and was de-emphasised before the title match. Triple H went on to defeat Kane at No Mercy, unifying the two titles.^[54]

Triple H eventually lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Shawn Michaels in the first Elimination Chamber match, at Survivor Series.^[55] He defeated RVD for the title shot at Armageddon with Michaels as special referee. He regained the title from Michaels in a Three Stages of Hell match at Armageddon.^[55]

Evolution (2003–2005)[link]

Triple H in April 2005.

In January 2003, Triple H formed a stable known as Evolution with Ric Flair, Randy Orton, and Batista. Triple H and Ric Flair challenged RVD and Kane for the World Tag Team Titles, but they lost the match. The group was pushed on Raw from 2003 to 2004. The height of their dominance occurred after Armageddon when every member of Evolution left the pay-per-view holding a title.^[56] Triple H held the World Heavyweight Championship for most of 2003 until Unforgiven, losing the title to Bill Goldberg. After a failed attempt to win back the title from Goldberg in a rematch at the Survivor Series, he finally regained the championship against Goldberg in a triple threat match at Armageddon which also involved Kane. At the 2004 Royal Rumble, Triple H and Shawn Michaels fought in a Last Man Standing match to a double countout, so Triple H retained the title as a result.^[56] Triple H dropped the title to Chris Benoit at WrestleMania XX,^[57] and he was unable to reclaim the belt from Benoit in subsequent rematches, including a rematch from WrestleMania between Triple H, Benoit, and Shawn Michaels at Backlash.^[57]

He then ended his feud with Michaels, defeating him in a Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood.^[57] After another failed attempt, losing to Benoit at Vengeance, he focused on Eugene, beating him at SummerSlam.^[58] Triple H then regained the title from former associate Randy Orton at Unforgiven.^[59] Following a Triple Threat World Heavyweight title defense against Benoit and Edge on the November 29, 2004 episode of Raw, the World Heavyweight Championship became vacant for the first time.^[60] At New Year's Revolution, Triple H won the Elimination Chamber to begin his tenth world title reign.^[61] At WrestleMania 21, Triple H lost the championship to Batista,^[62] and subsequently lost two rematches at Backlash and Vengeance.^[63][64] After Vengeance, Triple H took hiatus from WWE due to suffering from his minor neck problems.^[65]

After four month hiatus, Triple H returned to Raw on October 3, 2005 as part of WWE Homecoming. He teamed with fellow Evolution member Flair to defeat Chris Masters and Carlito. After the match, Triple H turned on Flair hitting Flair with a sledgehammer, sparking a feud between the duo.^[66] Flair defeated Triple H in a Steel cage match at Taboo Tuesday for Flair's Intercontinental Championship.^[67] Subsequently, Triple H defeated Flair in a non-title Last Man Standing match at Survivor Series to end their feud.^[67]

D-Generation X reunion (2006–2007)[link]

Although Triple H failed to win the Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble, another championship opportunity arose for Triple H in the Road to WrestleMania Tournament. He won the tournament, granting him a match for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 22. At WrestleMania, Triple H and John Cena fought in the main event for the title, which Triple H lost via submission.^[68] Later that month at Backlash, Triple H was involved in another WWE Championship match, fighting Edge and Cena in a Triple Threat match, where he lost again. In an act of frustration, a bloodied Triple H used his sledgehammer to attack both Edge and Cena and then performed a number of DX crotch chops.^[69] Triple H unsuccessfully attempted to win the WWE title from Cena on numerous occasions, blaming his shortcomings on Vince McMahon, which eventually led to a feud between the McMahons and Triple H.

DX striking their signature pose.

Shawn Michaels returned on the June 12 episode of Raw and soon reunited with Triple H to reform D-Generation X, turning Triple H into a fan-favorite once again for the first time since 2002.^[6] DX defeated the Spirit Squad at Vengeance in a 5-on-2 handicap match.^[70] They continued their feud with Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon and the Spirit Squad for several weeks. They then defeated the Spirit Squad again on the July 18, 2006 episode of Saturday Night's Main Event in a 5-on-2 Elimination match. They then again defeated the McMahons at SummerSlam, withstanding the attack of several handpicked WWE superstars by Vince McMahon.^[69] At Unforgiven, D-Generation X overcame the odds once again, defeating The McMahons and ECW World Champion Big Show in a Hell in a Cell match. During the match, DX embarrassed Vince by shoving his face in between Big Show's buttocks, and DX won when Triple H broke a sledgehammer over the shoulders of Vince McMahon after Michaels performed Sweet Chin Music on him.^[71]

At Cyber Sunday during DX's feud with Rated-RKO, special guest referee Eric Bischoff allowed the illegal use of a weapon to give Rated-RKO the win.^[71] At Survivor Series, DX got their revenge when their team defeated Edge and Orton's team in an Elimination Match.^[72] In January 2007, at New Year's Revolution, DX and Rated-RKO fought to a no-contest after Triple H suffered a legitimate torn right quadriceps (similar to the one he suffered in 2001 but in the other leg) fifteen minutes into the match.^[73][74] Surgery was successfully performed on January 9, 2007 by Dr. James Andrews.^[73]

Record breaking WWE Champion (2007–2009)[link]

Triple H made his return at SummerSlam, where he defeated King Booker.^[75] Two months later at No Mercy, Triple H was originally scheduled to face Umaga in a singles match. However, at the start of the night Triple H decided to challenge newly named WWE Champion Randy Orton, reigniting his rivalry with Orton that had been interrupted following his injury. Triple H won the match, winning his eleventh world championship and sixth WWE Championship,^[76] and then defended his title against Umaga in his regularly scheduled match after Mr. McMahon declared the match to be for the WWE title.^[77] After that McMahon gave Orton a rematch against Triple H in a Last Man Standing match in the main event, and Triple H lost after failing to beat the ten count when Orton hit his RKO onto the announcer's table.^[77] Triple H's title reign at No Mercy is the fifth shortest reign in WWE history, only lasting through the duration of the event.^[77] After winning the Raw Elimination Chamber at No Way Out, Triple H gained a WWE Championship match, by outlasting five other men, last eliminating Jeff Hardy after a Pedigree on a steel chair.^[78] However, at WrestleMania XXIV, Randy Orton retained after punting Triple H and pinning John Cena following Triple H's Pedigree on Cena.^[79] A month later, at Backlash, Triple H won the title in a Fatal Four-Way Elimination match against Orton, Cena, and John "Bradshaw" Layfield, tying the record for most WWE Championship reigns with The Rock.^[80] Triple H then retained the title against Orton at Judgment Day in a Steel Cage match and again at One Night Stand in a Last Man Standing match.^[81][82] Orton suffered a legitimate collarbone injury during the match, thus ending the feud prematurely.^[83]

Triple H as WWE Champion in 2008.

On June 23, 2008 episode of Raw, Triple H was drafted to the SmackDown brand as a part of the 2008 WWE Draft, in the process making the WWE Championship exclusive to SmackDown.^[84] He defended the championship over the summer and was the only champion to retain his title at Unforgiven's Championship Scramble matches. After this he defended it against Jeff Hardy, who was in the Unforgiven match.

At Survivor Series, Triple H was scheduled to defend the championship against Vladimir Kozlov and Hardy, however Hardy was kept out of the match after a scripted attack and injury. During the match, Smackdown General Manager Vickie Guerrero announced that Edge had returned and introduced him into the contest. Jeff Hardy interfered and hit Triple H with a steel chair meant for Edge, thus costing him the title and resulting in Edge winning his sixth World Title. Triple H entered seventh in the 2009 Royal Rumble, but was last eliminated by Randy Orton. In February at Elimination Chamber, Triple H won the WWE Championship in the SmackDown Chamber match, setting the record for most reigns at eight. That record stood until 2011 when John Cena won his ninth WWE Championship.

The Legacy feud and DX farewell (2009–2011)[link]

Triple H after retaining the WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania XXV.

On the February 16, 2009 episode of Raw, Triple H made an appearance aiding Stephanie and Shane McMahon, after they were attacked by Randy Orton.^[85] On the February 20 episode of SmackDown, Triple H was interviewed by Jim Ross, in the interview, footage was shown highlighting the events that occurred on the February 16 episode of Raw. Ross asked Triple H how he felt seeing that footage, in response, he broke character (after 5 years of marriage) by admitting that Vince McMahon is his father-in-law, that Shane is his brother-in-law, and that Stephanie is his wife, thus creating a rivalry between Triple H and Orton. On the February 23 episode of Raw, Triple H confronted Orton, before attacking him, Ted DiBiase, and Cody Rhodes (a group known as The Legacy) with a sledgehammer and chasing them from the arena.^[86] Weeks later, it was announced that Triple H would defend the WWE championship against Orton at WrestleMania XXV.^[87] At the event, Triple H defeated Orton to retain the title.Triple H would later face Orton and Legacy in a six man tag team match with Shane McMahon and Batista for the WWE championship at Backlash (2009). Triple H lost the title after trying to stop Batista from hitting Cody Rhodes with a chair then being hit with a RKO by Orton followed by the running punt to the head, allowing Orton to win the WWE championship and putting Hunter out of action for six weeks. At The Bash, Triple H would lose to Orton in a Three Stages of Hell match for the WWE Title. At Night of Champions, Triple H would again lose to Orton in a match for the WWE Championship, this time in a Triple Threat match, also involving John Cena.

Triple H at Tribute to the Troops in December 2010.

On the August 10, 2009 episode of Raw, video segments aired in which Triple H met with Michaels at an office cafeteria in Texas where he was working as a chef; throughout the segments, Triple H would try to convince Michaels return to WWE from hiatus. After several incidents during the segments (including a grease grill burgers on fire and Shawn shouting at a little girl), Michaels agreed to team with Triple H to face The Legacy at SummerSlam, superkicking the girl, and quitting from his chef job in the process.^[88] On the August 17 episode of Raw, in St. Louis, MO, Michaels and Triple H officially reunited as DX, but as they were in the process of their in-ring promo, Legacy attacked them both.^[89] Their first match after reuniting was against Legacy at SummerSlam, which they won.^[90] At Breaking Point, however, they lost to Legacy in the first ever Submissions Count Anywhere match in WWE history.^[91]

At the October pay-per-view Hell in a Cell, DX defeated Legacy in a Hell in a Cell match.^[92] DX would challenge John Cena for the WWE Championship in a triple threat match at Survivor Series with both men failing to win the title,^[93] although they were able to retain their friendship and tag team partnership. On December 13 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, DX defeated Chris Jericho and The Big Show to win the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match;^[94] the first tag team championship reign for Michaels and Triple H as a tag team.

On December 21, Triple H announced that Hornswoggle was the new DX mascot.^[95] This came about after Hornswoggle sued DX for emotional and physical distress due to them not allowing him to join DX.^[95] After being taken to court where they were ruled guilty by a jury and judge consisting of dwarves, Michaels told Triple H that Hornswoggle could be the mascot. Triple H agreed to it only if the charges were dropped, which Hornswoggle agreed to.^[95] On January 11 Mike Tyson, who was the Raw guest host for the night, teamed with Jericho to face DX; however, at the end of the bout, Tyson turned on Jericho and aligned himself with Michaels and Triple H.^[96] On the February 8, 2010 episode of Raw, DX lost their Unified Tag Team Titles to ShoMiz (The Miz and The Big Show) in a Triple Threat Elimination Tag Team match also featuring The Straight Edge Society (CM Punk and Luke Gallows.) On the March 1 episode of Raw they lost their rematch for the titles which would be their last televised match before Michaels retired.^[97] Michaels and Triple H had a non-wrestling reunion at the 2010 Tribute to the Troops.

On February 21, Triple H eliminated WWE Champion Sheamus in an Elimination Chamber match, though he would not win the title himself. Sheamus attacked him weeks later, setting up a match between the two at WrestleMania XXVI, where Triple H was victorious.^[98][99] Also at WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels lost to The Undertaker and was forced to retire, but while giving a farewell speech the next night, Sheamus attacked him. This would set up a rematch at Extreme Rules where Sheamus attacked Triple H at the start of the show ahead of a win in their scheduled contest to allow Triple H time off to recover from injuries.^[100] Triple H made an untelevised appearance on October 30 at the WWE Fan Appreciation Event and also at the 2010 Tribute to the Troops.^[101]

Feud with The Undertaker and Chief Operating Officer (2011–present)[link]

Triple H performing his entrance at WrestleMania XXVII, walking between shields.

On the February 21, 2011 episode of Raw, Triple H made his return to the WWE by interrupting the return of The Undertaker. He challenged him to a match at WrestleMania XXVII, which later became a No Holds Barred match. A week later he put Sheamus through the announce table with a Pedigree, in retaliation for Sheamus giving him a 10 month injury. At WrestleMania XXVII Triple H lost which extended Undertaker's undefeated streak to 19-0, however Undertaker was carried from the ring in a stretcher whereas Triple H left the ring of his own volition.^[102]

At the end of the July 18, 2011 episode of Raw, Triple H returned on behalf of WWE's board of directors to relieve his father-in-law Vince McMahon of his duties.^[103] This was followed by the announcement that he had been assigned to take over as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the WWE. This was during a storyline where CM Punk had won the WWE Championship and left the company. Though a new champion was crowned, Triple H helped resign CM Punk and upheld both championship reigns. He announced he would referee a match to unify both WWE Championships at SummerSlam. Although he counted a pinfall for CM Punk to win, John Cena's leg was on the ropes which would break the pin. Regardless, Triple H's longtime friend Kevin Nash attacked Punk immediately after the match to allow Alberto Del Rio to become champion.^[104] Though Nash and Punk demanded a match against each other, Triple H fired Nash for insubordination and booked himself in a No Disqualification match at Night Of Champions with his position of COO on the line.^[105] He won the match despite interference from John Laurinaitis, Nash, The Miz and R-Truth.^[106] After repeated attacks from these wrestlers in various matches, the majority of WWE's on-screen staff gave Triple H a vote of no confidence. Mr. McMahon returned to relieve him of his duties on Raw though he remained COO. He was replaced as General Manager of Raw by Laurinaitis, who booked him in a tag team match against Miz and R-Truth at Vengeance.^[107] During the match, Nash once again attacked him and did so the following night on the October 24 Raw, hospitalizing him.^[108] WWE later announced that Triple H sustained a fractured vertebrae which would remove him from television until his return on December 12, as part of the Slammy Awards. On December 18, Triple H defeated Nash at Tables, Ladders, and Chairs in Sledgehammer Ladder Match where he used the sledgehammer against Nash.^[109]

Chief Operating Officer Triple H being taunted by The Undertaker ahead of their second consecutive WrestleMania match.

Triple H returned on the January 30 edition of Raw, to evaluate Laurinaitis' performance as General Manager. Before he could announce the decision, he was interrupted by the returning Undertaker.^[110] After initially refusing the rematch as he did not want to tarnish Undertaker's legacy,^[111] Triple H accepted the challenge after being called a coward who lives in Shawn Michaels' shadow, on the condition their rematch be contested inside Hell in a Cell.^[112] Triple H went on to lose this match at WrestleMania XXVIII.^[113] Triple H returned on Raw four weeks later, to tell Brock Lesnar that he will only accept the original contract agreed upon before having his arm broken by Lesnar.^[114] It was later announced on WWE.com that in addition to a broken arm Triple H had suffered severe ligament and tendon damage around the elbow and that it would require surgery.^[115]

Backstage roles[link]

In 2010, Levesque's role as an Executive Senior Advisor was officially formalized as he was given an office at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut.^[116] Levesque was named Executive Vice President, Talent in 2011. In this role he oversees the talent relations and talent development departments, training of performers and management of worldwide recruitment. In addition to his talent duties, Levesque has worked as a director and producer of the creative direction and storylines of WWE’s programming.^[117]

Personal life[link]

In 2000, Levesque began dating Stephanie McMahon and they married on October 25, 2003.^[118] He had previously been in a long-term relationship with former WWE wrestler Chyna.^[119] He and McMahon have three daughters.^[120] On January 8, 2006, WWE announced that McMahon and Levesque were expecting their first child, due on July 27, 2006.^[121] Stephanie McMahon continued to work and travel with WWE throughout her pregnancy, giving birth to an 8 lb, 7 oz (3.8 kg) baby girl, Aurora Rose Levesque, on July 24, 2006.^[122] The couple had their second daughter, Murphy Claire Levesque, on July 28, 2008.^[123] The couple welcomed their third daughter, Vaughn Evelyn Levesque, on August 24, 2010.^[124]

He has a sister named Lynn.^[12]

In late 2004, Levesque released a book titled Making the Game: Triple H's Approach to a Better Body.^[125] Mostly devoted to bodybuilding advice, the book also includes some autobiographical information, memoirs, and opinions.

Filmography[link]

In wrestling[link]

Triple H about to perform a Pedigree on John Cena.

Triple H with his signature sledgehammer.

Triple H performing his signature ring entrance pose on the middle rope.

• Finishing moves
  • Pedigree^[1] (Double underhook facebuster) - 1995-present

• Signature moves
  • Abdominal stretch^[3]
  • Blatant choke^[3]
  • Chop block^[128]
  • Facebreaker knee smash,^[3][129] often as a back body drop counter
  • Figure four leglock^[3]
  • Flowing DDT^[3]
  • High knee^[3]
  • Inverted Indian deathlock – WCW;^[130] used rarely as a regular move thereafter in WWE^[131]
  • Jumping knee drop^[3]
  • Mounted punches^[3]
  • Running clothesline^[3]
  • Running neckbreaker^[3]
  • Sleeper hold^[3]
  • Spinning spinebuster^[3]

• Managers
  • Chyna
  • Ric Flair
  • Rick Rude
  • Mr. Hughes
  • Mr. Perfect
  • Stephanie McMahon–Helmsley
  • Vince McMahon
  • Shawn Michaels
  • Lord Steven Regal
  • Sable
  • Hornswoggle

• Nicknames
  • The Connecticut Blueblood^[132]
  • The Cerebral Assassin^[65]
  • The Game^[5]
  • The King of Kings^[65]

• Entrance themes
  • World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment
    • "Blue Blood" by Jim Johnston (April 28, 1995 – December 15, 1996)
    • "Symphony No. 9 (Fourth movement)" by Ludwig van Beethoven (December 15, 1996 – November 10, 1997)
    • "Break It Down" by The DX Band (November 10, 1997 – April 5, 1999; June 19, 2006 – April 2007; August 24, 2009 – March 1,2010)
    • "Corporate Player" by Jim Johnston (April 25, 1999 – May 10, 1999)
    • "Higher Brain Pattern" by Jim Johnston (May 16, 1999 – June 21, 1999)
    • "My Time" by The DX Band (June 27, 1999 – December 10, 2000)
    • "The Game" by Motörhead (January 8, 2001–present)
    • "The Game" by Drowning Pool (used for advertising promos; March 2002 – March 2011)
    • "King of Kings" by Motörhead (used for promos and as prelude to "The Game"; April 2, 2006–Present)
    • "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Metallica (WrestleMania XXVII prelude to "The Game")

Championships and accomplishments[link]

Triple H as the World Heavyweight Champion.

Triple H as the WWE Champion at No Mercy in 2007.

• Independent Wrestling Federation
  • IWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[4]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2000)^[133] vs. Kurt Angle
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2004)^[133] vs. Chris Benoit
  • PWI Feud of the Year (2009) vs. Randy Orton
  • PWI Match of the Year (2004)^[134] vs. Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit at WrestleMania XX
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2003–2005)^[135]
  • PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)
  • PWI Wrestler of the Year (2008)
  • PWI Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)
  • PWI ranked him #1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2000^[136] and 2009^[137]
  • PWI ranked him #139 in the PWI Years in 2003^[138]

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWF/E Championship (8 times)^1[139]
  • World Heavyweight Championship (5 times - first champion)^[140]
  • WWF European Championship (2 times)^[141]
  • WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (5 times)^[142]
  • WWF/E World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Steve Austin (1) and Shawn Michaels (1)^[143][144]
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Shawn Michaels (1)^[145]
  • King of the Ring (1997)^[1]
  • Royal Rumble (2002)^[146]
  • Second Grand Slam Championship
  • Seventh Triple Crown Champion
  • Slammy Award for Best Hair (1997)
  • Slammy Award for OMG Moment of the Year (2011) - Triple H kicking out of a Tombstone Piledriver at WrestleMania XXVII

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Mick Foley^[147]
  • Feud of the Year (2004) vs. Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit^[147]
  • Feud of the Year (2005) vs. Batista^[147]
  • Most Overrated (2002–2004, 2009)^[147]
  • Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler (2002-2003)^[147]
  • Worst Feud of the Year (2002) vs. Kane^[147]
  • Worst Feud of the Year (2006) with Shawn Michaels vs. Vince and Shane McMahon^[147]
  • Worst Feud of the Year (2011) vs. Kevin Nash^[148]
  • Worst Worked Match of the Year (2003) vs. Scott Steiner at No Way Out^[147]
  • Worst Worked Match of the Year (2008) vs. Vladimir Kozlov and Edge at Survivor Series^[147]
  • Wrestler of the Year (2000)^[147]
  • Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)

1 ^ Triple H's fifth reign was as Undisputed WWF Champion.

Notes[link]

References[link]

External links[link]